Mercurial

Also known as: Classic Cool, Rocky Bluffs, Warm Pewter, Dove

Expect neutral and understated associations from Mercurial — a soft gray well suited to minimal interfaces and architecture. Its complement lands in gray territory, which makes for striking two-color pairings. Against dark backgrounds it stays legible (9.77:1), but avoid it as text on white.

Mercurial color codes

HEX
#B6B0A9
RGB
rgb(182, 176, 169)
RGBA
rgba(182, 176, 169, 1)
HSL
hsl(32, 8%, 69%)
HSV
hsv(32, 7%, 71%)
CMYK
cmyk(0%, 3%, 7%, 29%)
LAB
lab(72.2 1.3 4.4)
OKLCH
oklch(76.0% 0.012 71.9)

Color intelligence

sRGB safe

Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.

Temperature

CoolWarm

neutral, leaning warm

subtle orange undertone in this near-neutral

Nearest standard colors

  • CSS: darkgray#A9A9A9 · ΔE 4.7
  • RAL 7044 — Silk grey#BDBDB2 · ΔE 5.2 · approximate

RAL values are widely published approximations of the physical standard. For Pantone-adjacent workflows, match by eye against a physical fan deck — Pantone's values are proprietary and device-dependent, so we don't print lookups.

Where Mercurial works

  • Web & UI: Use it decoratively — dividers, chart series, illustration accents — and let neutrals carry the type.
  • Interiors: Muted enough to paint all four walls; sample it in both daylight and evening light before committing.
  • Fashion: Works as a base layer or outerwear tone that lets brighter pieces do the talking.
  • Branding: As a brand anchor it reads established and tactile; pair with a single vivid accent for energy.
  • Interiors: Use it where you want the eye to land — front door, built-ins, or one bold wall.
  • Fashion: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.

Copy as — every ecosystem

Tints, shades, and tones of Mercurial

Tints (lighter)

Shades (darker)

Tones (muted)

Color harmonies

Palettes built from Mercurial by rotating its hue in OKLCH space. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.

Complementary

Analogous

Triadic

Split-complementary

Tetradic

Monochromatic

Contrast & accessibility

Aa — on white

contrast 2.15:1

AA failAAA failAA large fail

Aa — on black

contrast 9.77:1

AA passAAA passAA large pass

Best text color on a Mercurial background: #000000

Palettes featuring Mercurial

Mercurial with its complement

Soft neighbors of Mercurial

Mercurial triad

Similar colors

Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Mercurial is closest to Microchip.

Mercurial FAQs

What color is Mercurial?

Mercurial is a medium gray with the hex code #B6B0A9. In HSL terms it has a hue of 32°, 8% saturation, and 69% lightness.

What is the hex code for Mercurial?

The hex code for Mercurial is #B6B0A9. In RGB it's rgb(182, 176, 169), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 3%, 7%, 29%).

What colors go well with Mercurial?

Mercurial pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.

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